There's a Jardin des Plantes adjacent to the train station. Turns out Nantes (Capitol of Atlantique-Loire) has been named one of Europe's most livable cities and ranks 36th globally and 4th best in France. Maybe I should move there?

La Trinitaine called out to me - a haven of biscuits, sweets and savory items.

It's obligatory you buy some salt when you're in Bretagne. Preferably the finely ground 'fleur' de Guerande used for seasoning after cooking. The chunkier salt is used in cooking.

Shelves and shelves of goodies await but how to choose?

I've seen Creme de Salidou on the shelves of G.detou in baking supply haven so how bad could it be? There's none left in case you were wondering. I wish I'd bought some bath salts but the sweet tooth won out with crepes instead (also now gone..).

I found the grinder for course salt in the train station relay.

A menu in the street looked awfully tempting if one had more time - all seafood.

40 comments:

Bonjour Carol,I have been to Nantes and loved it. We stayed with friends there who took us on a water tour of the city. We zipped in and around the waterways, it was great fun. I particularly enjoyed exploring the regenerated shipping yards and the Machine de L'ile, the amazing cultural and artistic project site inspired by two artist and since developed into some major projects. Wonderful! Here is the link, it may inspire a second visit. I love your work and adventure, wonderful too. http://www.lesmachines-nantes.fr/english

That is.. fantastic to me..I came home w/ a Nantes/Petit Beurre trivet..and I love it.. bought it at the market in ..oh for the life of me ..I am thinking Gordes but I could be wrong..we tried to go to many markets in a whirlwind of too few days.That coin purse. with the cherry looking looking clasp.How cute is that?Your journal page is so detailed and lovely.

Carol, I once spent part of a day in Nantes, and have a vivid memory of walking around that chateau. Thank you for including that photo. Seeing your other photographs makes me wish I had stayed longer, rather than catching a train to Bordeaux to catch an overnight train to Nice. That was a day full of travel experiences. xo

It's funny, I only just discovered you (with your comment on the Figaro Madame issue on How Parisian Women are (not so) perfect and subscribed to your blog.NOW I got you in on Richard's blog AND yesterday Hero Husband and I had a delicious lunch in Paris with a couple coming from Nantes at the next table and with whom we 'connected' over our meals.... and all four agreed that Nantes was indeed very special, quite wonderful and of some importance. Because we too visited and loved Nantes instantly - there is a quality of life which is very much 'us'... So good of you to write this up (and paint...) - Thank You

Wow this was really interesting to me since the French foreign exchange student, Clotildes, that stayed with our neighbors this summer, was from Nantes. She was a real sweetie too. Fun to see where she came from. I was picturing a small village. This is fabulous almost like a fort..cant think of the name I want. Yes do go back.

About 30 years ago (yikes!), I did a summer program in Nantes and lived with a great French family for 6 weeks. I loved it! Next time be sure to visit the Passage Pommeraye. It was in Nantes that I had my first Moules marinieres and tarte tatin - still favorites to this day!

Monoprix also sells fleur de sel Guerende (I bought the one on the right in Paris).

I didn't know about Nantes (now another fantasy place to retire) but when I took a day trip to the Loire valley, I wished I could have stayed there longer. I love that you go go go but I'm afraid I'd weigh 500lbs. if I was there long enough.

Why are the French so much more elegant in their packaging than us.....well, in everything.I'm getting bored with living in NY -well, not permanently, but need a change of scenery....Your elegant blog makes me crave everything French- and my mouth water like mad.

A beautiful page. I hope you get to historic La Rochelle. The original "mussel" beach! But the Charente has much more to offer than seafood. Our daughter has lived there for 20 years and we delight every time we visit.Lee

Oh squeal! I'm so thrilled that you thought of me at the cathedral! But the doors look shut anyway, and I greatly approve of your CBS quest. That creme de Salidou looks amazing. And what a coup- Parisian of the Month! That's so fabulous, and it's a wonderful interview. He's too clever- macarooned, love it. I love hearing about all your day trips too- you certainly are getting out and about. Is it possible to become any more jealous? I don't think so... but who knows what you have in store for us this week?

I can't tell you how much I love your blog, which I've been following for awhile now. I just got back from a vaca to France and seeing your pics (and paintings) makes me feel like I'm still there. I thank you for that!

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♥carol gillott♥

l'Ile Saint Louis, Paris, Ile de France, France

Hi I'm Carol Gillott,
My Mom taught me watercolors at 5 and I'm still at it. Now I live by the Seine on l'Ile Saint-Louis. Do consider subscribing to my Paris letters and maps on Etsy and enjoy a taste of Paris in your mailbox every month to savor with a hot chocolate and croissant. I paint Paris dreams.